Nanoparticle–Loaded Aerogels and Layered Aerogels Cast from Sol–Gel Mixtures

Metal nanoparticles (Au, Ag, or Pd) functionalized with hydroxy-terminated alkane thiols can be dispersed in sol–gel mixtures to give alcogels and, after supercritical drying, aerogels containing up to 90 wt% of nanoparticles. Layered or patterned nanoparticle/aerogel monoliths can be prepared by sequential casting or molding of the sol–gels. Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as ”Supporting Information”. Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.